A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Montevideo vs. Valdivia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Montevideo or Valdivia?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Montevideo and Valdivia can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Montevideo or Valdivia?

Montevideo

As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.

Valdivia

Valdivia is a vibrant university city situated in southern Chile. It sits at the meeting point of three rivers in the aptly named Region de Los Rios (The Rivers Region) and is approximately 200 kilometers from both Temuco and Puerto Montt. Due to a large student population, Valdivia boasts a youthful and energetic vibe that is visible in its many bars, cafes and restaurants. The city is also known for having one of Chile's best craft beer cultures, which had its early beginnings when German settlers arrived in the 1840s. The rivers, nearby Pacific coastline and wetlands offer plenty for lovers of the outdoors, too.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best 10-Day Tours in Chile, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Valdivia or Montevideo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $63, while the average daily cost in Valdivia is $69. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Montevideo and Valdivia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montevideo $39
    Valdivia $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montevideo $78
    Valdivia $80
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Valdivia

Looking for a hotel in Montevideo or Valdivia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Montevideo


Hotels in Valdivia


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Montevideo Hotel Prices and Valdivia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montevideo $7.32
    Valdivia $8.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
  • TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80
  • 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $51
  • Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
  • Transfer from Carrasco International Aiport to Montevideo: $45
  • Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
  • Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36
  • Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Cruise Port to Montevideo city: $29
  • Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo Port: $29
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo Airport (MVD) -Montevideo City: $21
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo City - Montevideo Airport (MVD): $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valdivia

Also for Valdivia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Valdivia Airport Private Transfer: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Valdivia?

Prices for flights to both Valdivia and Montevideo change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Montevideo $13
    Valdivia $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo

For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
  • El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango & Folklore in Montevideo: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montevideo $21
    Valdivia $13

Tours and Activities in Montevideo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.

  • Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $65
  • Audio Guided Tour in Montevideo City for Cruisers: $26
  • Best Private & Personalized Tour of Montevideo: $200
  • Best Private Montevideo Shore Excursion: City Tour. Optional WineTasting Tour.: $165
  • Best Private Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $250
  • Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $110
  • Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers : $110
  • Best custom Montevideo Private Tour in Electric SUV! (BMW Option): $120
  • City Tour de Montevideo con ingreso al Palacio Legislativo: $65
  • City Tour of Montevideo: $40
  • City Tour, the best option for small groups: $160
  • Discover Mix of Sightseeing & City Attractions!: $140

Tours and Activities in Valdivia

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Valdivia.

  • Sightseeing Tour in Valdivia : $76
  • Valdivia SUP Cruises for 6 People with Transportation Included: $35
  • Private City Tour: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montevideo -
    Valdivia $4.79

Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:

  • Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
  • Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210


When comparing the travel costs between Montevideo and Valdivia, we can see that Valdivia is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montevideo Expensive? and Is Valdivia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Valdivia?

Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Valdivia. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo and Valdivia, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Montevideo or Valdivia?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Montevideo or Valdivia in the Summer?

Both Valdivia and Montevideo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In the summer, Montevideo is much warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montevideo in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Valdivia averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Valdivia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. Montevideo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Valdivia during summer. Montevideo gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Montevideo usually receives more rain than Valdivia. Montevideo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Montevideo 24°C (75°F) 
    Valdivia 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or Valdivia in the Autumn?

Both Valdivia and Montevideo during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In April, Montevideo is generally much warmer than Valdivia. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 17°C (63°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Montevideo often gets more sunshine than Valdivia. Montevideo gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 132 hours of full sun.

Valdivia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. Montevideo usually gets less rain in April than Valdivia. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F) 
    Valdivia 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or Valdivia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montevideo and Valdivia.

Montevideo is a little warmer than Valdivia in the winter. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Valdivia fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Montevideo usually receives more sunshine than Valdivia during winter. Montevideo gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 66 hours of full sun in the winter.

Valdivia receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, Montevideo usually receives less rain than Valdivia. Montevideo gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Montevideo 11°C (52°F) 
    Valdivia 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or Valdivia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Montevideo as well as Valdivia.

In the spring, Montevideo is much warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montevideo in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Valdivia averages at about 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montevideo this time of the year. In the spring, Montevideo often gets more sunshine than Valdivia. Montevideo gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 198 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Valdivia. Montevideo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Montevideo usually gets less rain in October than Valdivia. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F) 
    Valdivia 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Valdivia and Montevideo

Montevideo Valdivia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 295 mm (11.6 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 297 mm (11.7 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Aug 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 247 mm (9.7 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)